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By this time next week, China’s BYD will become the first automaker to offer a mass-produced plug-in hybrid to individual buyers. That sounds like a major milestone, but the realities of such an event tell a different story. Despite fears that BYD and other Chinese carmakers will quickly dominate the emerging global market for plug-in cars, the introduction of advanced battery-powered vehicles in China will likely occur at a slower than expected pace.

The key question is if US sales of plug-in hybrids and electric cars will follow the Chinese narrative: media buzz, fleet sales, big government subsidies, and then a long tough battle to sell cars with big price premiums. The Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid and all-electric Nissan Leaf will begin rolling out to limited US markets late this year.

The F3DM, a plug-in hybrid promising about 60 miles of all-electric range and selling for around $22,000, was first offered to fleet buyers in late 2008. Yet, the company only managed to sell about 100 cars to government institutions. On the other hand, the gas-powered F3 compact car, China’s best-selling model in 2009, sells for about $14,000. Sales of the gas-powered F3 helped BYD triple its net income last year to more than a half-billion dollars. Last year, BYD sold 450,000 gasoline-engine cars in China, more than doubling its 2008 sales and becoming the sixth biggest Chinese automaker.

Li Yizhong, minister of Information and Industrial Technology, said that the ministry was discussing direct consumer subsidies—at least several thousand dollars— for alternative vehicles like the F3DM. Meanwhile, the government is already providing aggressive tax cuts and Cash-For-Clunkers-style subsidies for gas-powered cars with small engines.

What Will It Take?

Shenzhen, where BYD is based, will be the first of 13 cities to put the F3DM on sale. BYD is not reluctant to set high goals—it plans to sell 24,000 plug-in hybrids in 2012 and 100,000 by 2015. At the national level, China is even more ambitious. It wants to see 500,000 hybrid and electric cars starting next year. The government plans to provide US $1.4 billion in funding to promote plug-in technologies over the next three years.

These are very big goals that will be difficult to reach. But it appears that BYD and the Chinese government will be diligent in pursuing their green car goals—even if target dates fall years behind.

Other global automakers don’t intend to be left out. Earlier this month, BYD announced an agreement with German luxury-carmaker Daimler to develop and sells electric cars in China. This follows last year’s announcement about a similar agreement with Volkswagen.

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Shines

The government (of China) plans to provide 1.4 billion in funding to promote plug ins. I guess the Coda (in a previous article) has likely received some government funding…
The Chinese government may be communist but they’re not stupid…

The F3DM goes 60 miles in all electric and sells for $22000?!?
I know that isn’t a vehicle that meets US safety standards, but still…
I wonder when we’ll be seeing a BYD around here?

aaron k

If they sell this at 22k I will fly off like hot cakes thats what an avg gas car costs and throw in 60 miles of electricity at like $.5 a gallon who wouldn’t buy this?

Tommy

I’ve been wondering how much longer ’till we see them around here as well, besides at the NAIAS. 1.4 billion… ? given to them? They’ll be tough to compete with down the road. They’re definately here to stay… just a matter of time.

Rom

I wouldn’t by it if it was the best, most affordable electricish car of any form.

It is made in China. The same China that lies, covers up their embarrassing history by trying to block access to it, oppresses people, sells children’s body parts for organ replacements over seas, uses toxic metals in our kids jewelery and paints our kids toys with lead, is trying to corner the world’s rare earth elements market after running everyone else out of business.

Feel free to look up any of the things I’ve mentioned. They’ve all happened recently.

sanchez

Chinese can’t make hybrid cars. Well… till now of course

Skamal

Well China’s Cherry QQ was a hit in Asia, The secret is production in large quantities, for tests at down to earth prices, then improve in all aspects, including price.

@Rom: And dont talk rubbish, about history We have enough manslaughter in Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Normandi, Poland, Iraq, and the list is un-ending…all for what???

Everybody, just talk about a better and safe future for all of mankind, if it comes cheap too, go for it
I know I certainly would!

mirel

This is truly a step forward. I think technology has made many steps forward in recent times and will do. I was expecting another technology boom, which is good. This version is superior to the previous one anyway.
Mirel, CEO anunturi auto online

sevathian

I need to introduce this hybrid car in my country. Pls let me know how to access to your company to buy these car .thanks